Past event
Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and emotionally based education avoidance (EBEA) are growing concerns across the education sector, affecting learners from primary school through to university. This timely online event will bring together leading experts, researchers, practitioners, educators, psychologists, and support professionals to explore the complex factors contributing to rising levels of education avoidance and to identify effective, evidence-based approaches for prevention and intervention.
Research suggests that pupils with mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), or socioeconomic disadvantage are disproportionately affected by EBSA. Similar patterns of absenteeism are increasingly evident in Further and Higher Education, where anxiety, burnout, disengagement, assessment avoidance, and mental health-related interruptions are becoming more common. Despite the growing need, access to timely and appropriate support remains limited for many learners.
A central focus of the event will be the development and evaluation of the ACTivate Programme, a preventative intervention designed for children and young people aged 10–14 years. Expert speakers will present emerging evidence on interventions, initiatives, and strategies designed to support engagement with education, while also considering how emotionally based avoidance manifests across different educational contexts. Experts in trauma-informed practice will examine the experiences of post-16 learners and discuss ways institutions can create more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
The event aims to deepen understanding of emotionally based education avoidance, showcase the latest research, and foster collaboration between professionals working across education, psychology, health, and support services. Through presentations, panel discussions, and audience participation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in critical debate, share perspectives, and contribute to future directions for research, policy, and practice.
This event is particularly relevant for teachers, lecturers, educational psychologists, assistant educational psychologists, researchers, practitioners, students, and anyone committed to helping children and young people, and adult learners access education, thrive and fulfil their potential.
Programme
| 16:00 | Welcome and Opening Remarks Michelle Jayman,University of Roehampton; Jonathan Glazzard, University of Hull |
| 16:15 | Presentation Katherine Lucor, Senior Educational Psychologist |
| 16:35 | Presentation Naomi Field, SEND & Inclusion |
| 16:55 | Interactive Session |
| 17:20 | Presentation  Rachel Paskell, University of Bath; Sarah Donkin, University of Hull |
| 17:40 | Panel Discussion Natasha Gayle, University of Roehampton |
| 17:55 | Closing Remarks |
| 18:00 | Close of Event |
Researcher/Senior Lecturer at University of Roehampton
Michelle Jayman is a developmental psychologist with a strong background in education and extensive work experience in schools. She is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Roehampton and a Champion for the British Psychological...
Assistant Head for SEND/Inclusion at Thomas Bennett Community College
Naomi is a teacher of 17 years, having primarily taught Drama and English in secondary school. Naomi has also worked part time in a primary setting and most recently became involved in the implementation of mental health and emotional wellbeing...
Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice at University of Hull
Jonathan Glazzard is the Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice at the University of Hull. His research focuses on the experiences of marginalised groups and individuals and inclusive education more broadly. He has worked as a...
Senior Educational Psychologist at West Sussex County Council
My name is Katherine Lucor. I’ve been an Educational Psychologist for 26 years. Before that, I worked as a teacher in Brighton and Hove and as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly NHS Trust. I’m now a Senior...
SEND Tutor
Natasha Gayle is a teacher who recently completed a Master's in Psychology, and has spent the last ten years working with young people and adults presenting with Emotionally Based School/Education Avoidance (EBSA/EBEA). Throughout her career, she...
Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at University of Bath
Rachel is a Senior Lecturer on the Forensic Psychology Team at the University of Bath, currently Deputy Director of Studies on the MSc in Forensic Psychology with Placement, and working on the development of a new Doctorate in Forensic Psychology...
Senior Lecturer at University of Hull
Sarah Donkin is a Senior Lecturer in Education & Childhood Studies at the University of Hull, UK. She is a trauma-informed practitioner with a background spanning further and higher education, as well as children's and adults' social care. Her...
Championing interdisciplinary research excellence Psychology plays a foundational role in education. Over recent decades, the interrelationship between the two disciplines has become increasingly...
We are delighted to announce that the Â鶹ÒùÔº Annual Conference will be hosted at the University of Manchester again. Abstract submission deadline 31 January 2027
Every year Â鶹ÒùÔº recognises academic excellence and rigour in research by a Master of Education student. This underscores Â鶹ÒùԺ’s commitment to championing educational research, and celebrating...
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